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Friends | Ash Patel and Matthew Earl
Celebrating World Friendship Day
True friends never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart
Helen Keller
With a friend, we can share our hopes and dreams as well as create a safe space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without judgement . Friendship has unlimited potential to enhance our growth and provide us with support on our spiritual journey.
Join two good friends, Ash Patel and Matthew Earl, to delve into what is the real spirit of friendship. Listen in on their heartfelt conversation to discover the profound impact of authentic friendships. In this talk, they will explore the essence of true companionship, share insights on building meaningful bonds, and celebrate the transformative influence even one genuine friend can have.
Matthew, a graduate in Genetics, and former self-described "spiritual sceptic", discovered meditation on his personal growth journey. Its profound impact gave him a strong purpose to share the practical techniques that transformed his life. For over two decades, Matthew has guided students through courses, talks, workshops, and exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. Currently based in London, working most recently as Head of Business Growth, his unique blend of experience allows him to connect with a diverse audience, effectively translating the power of Raja Yoga meditation into practical applications you can use every day.
Ash was introduced to Raja Yoga meditation at an early age, and he gradually recognized the profound value of its teachings in all aspects of his life. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and with an interest in inner healing, self-compassion and heartfulness, Ash facilitates engaging classes, workshops, and retreats. He is based in Worthing, where he actively contributes to his local community, while also sharing his wisdom and guidance with audiences around the world.
Beyond Influence - Nurturing Independence | Jane Kay
Are you affected by people and situations around you?
Do you get impressed by people easily?
Do you play the game of trying to control or be controlled?
Join Jane Kay to explore how to:
● Understand your own power and ability to positively influence
● Discover how to protect yourself from negative influences
● Know how to be independent and yet belong to others and live as part of a community
● Gain the courage to stop following or controlling and start living on purpose!
Speaker: Jane Kay
Jane first started meditating with the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil in 1981. She spent time in Brazil, Florida and Costa Rica co-ordinating activities for BK centres. Recently retired from her post as Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, Jane now spends quite a lot of her time editing and writing articles for publication on a variety of spiritual themes. Jane is a warm, engaging and insightful speaker with a wealth of experience.
Open to Inspiration - An Artist's Perspective | Carole Glover
All our great creative works are inspired by some higher consciousness and can transport the watcher or listener to another world of thoughts and feelings.
In this talk Carole will share her understanding of how inspiration works, the importance of silence as the soil in which creativity flourishes and some of her own personal experiences of what magic can unfold when we allow this to happen.
Speaker: Carole Glover
Carole Glover has been an artist all her life and has had many exhibitions all over the world, including in Russia and China. During the Bosnian war she went with an international group of women to Zargreb to work with refugees and got involved with a peace project called: ’Through Heart to Peace’. Carole came across the BKs in Nottingham in the mid 90s and has been an active member of local interfaith groups since then. Carole was instrumental in organising student exhibitions at Nottingham University on the theme of peace and made an installation as a part of a local Arts festival. Carole now lives in Lincoln where she is a chaplain for the University and runs courses in Positive Thinking and Raja Yoga Meditation.
Mind Gym - How to Keep in the Flow while on the Go | David Goodman
We go to the gym to tone and strengthen our bodies. Can we also keep our minds 'flexed' and in a positive state of flow, even in the face of everyday challenges?
Join David Goodman to explore simple and effective ways to increase engagement in the present moment and build inner resilience.
Speaker: David Goodman
Based in Leeds, David helps to coordinate activities for Brahma Kumaris in the North of England. A retired community dentist, David takes an active interest in cultivating a healthy lifestyle: he is a keen organic gardener and loves all types of sport. He is also a trustee of the Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare, a charity which supports the wellbeing of health and social care professionals and patients. An experienced meditator of over 40 years, David shares with an accessible blend of humour and down to earth spiritual wisdom.
Loving Discipline | Jim Dees
Many see discipline as a restriction on freedom, the voice of a killjoy, and even an act of aggression. Even the dictionary definition of discipline contains a reference to punishment. Yet, it is evident that success in all areas of life comes to those who learn to embrace discipline as a celebration of personal power and choice.
In this evening’s talk, we will explore discipline as a form of love, for myself and for those in my care.
Speaker: Jim Dees attributes his success as a primary school teacher of 26 years to the insights, understanding and inner strength he has gained from practising meditation. Working in a variety of senior leadership roles for over 15 years, and currently as a headteacher of a large primary school in Harrow, his focus has always been on exploring effective ways to develop positive communities built on a foundation of cooperation and collaboration.
Yoga for Empowerment | Dr E V Swaminathan
A contribution to International Day of Yoga adopted by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated across the world every year on 21st June.
Often thought of, particularly in the West, as the practice of physical exercises or asanas, including systems of breathing, the word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. One of yoga’s most famous practitioners, the late B.K.S. Iyengar, described it as a way of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endowing skill in action.
Our speaker this evening will explore the relationship and connections between Hatha Yoga in its various forms and levels and Raja Yoga as taught and practised by the Brahma Kumaris.
Speaker: Dr E V Swaminathan
Dr Swaminathan is a life coach, human resource trainer and consultant who is keen to use his knowledge and skills to help create a more values based society. With a background in Engineering, Dr Swaminathan has studied extensively and his academic achievements include a Masters in Yoga and Psychology as well as a PhD in Emotional and Quantum Intelligence. He has been a corporate trainer for more than 20 years and has worked with a wide variety of organisations and companies including the State Bank of India and TATA motors. He is a much sought after speaker and has given talks at a number of professional and other conferences in India and abroad. Dr Swaminathan has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for the past 28 years.
Restoring the Land and Ourselves: Wisdom from Indigenous Peoples | Dr David Fletcher
This talk is a contribution to World Environment Day on the 5th June.
Indigenous people from all over the world remind us of the deep relationship we have with the land. We have forgotten and abused this relationship.
How do we restore and regenerate the richness of the land so it can continue to sustain us? Can we apply the same wisdom to restoring healthy, positive relationships with our bodies and with our true selves?
Speaker: Dr David Fletcher
Dr David Fletcher has been a social justice educator and advocate for over 35 years. He trained as a cultural anthropologist and has studied and worked with indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. He is deeply committed to revitalising a harmonious relationship with the natural world and all other living beings on this planet. His current research interests are in indigenous knowledge, community resilience and food sovereignty. David has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years.
A Means of Safety | Toots Beckett
The human mind craves security and seeks it constantly in people, places and circumstances. But there is only one truly safe place to go, and finding that place is an adventure, a pilgrimage and ultimately a homecoming for the spirit.
Speaker: Toots Beckett
Toots Beckett has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for 26 years. She is a mother and works in inner-city London schools, supporting the medical and social/emotional needs of the children. Toots is fascinated by the continuity of life and loves to share the insights gained from applying the teachings of Raja Yoga in her practical life.
Change Happens - Dealing with the Unexpected | Margaret Barron
It is said that life happens whilst you are busy making plans. But when life goes in a radically different direction than expected, it can be disorienting, disappointing, or even devastating. How can we feel that all is well with our world, when it changes too suddenly to make sense of it and how do we navigate through the ever-changing landscapes of our lives?
Speaker: Margaret Barron
Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has a particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. She has a degree in Adult Education and Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.
Dying to See the Light | Ingrid Honkala & Sister Jayanti
Our event showcases the extraordinary near-death encounter of Dr. Ingrid Honkala, a NASA scientist from Colombia.
Join us as former BBC Radio presenter, Philippa Blackham, engages in an interview with Ingrid Honkala and Sister Jayanti from the Brahma Kumaris. Together, they delve into this remarkable journey, exploring profound insights and scientific revelations concerning death and the realms beyond corporeal existence.
Dr. Ingrid Honkala is a Marine Biologist, Oceanographer, Master Scuba Diver, NASA and Navy Scientist, international lecturer, childhood near-death and spiritual transformative experiencer (NDEr and STEr). She has worked for the Colombian and US Navy for over thirteen years. Her worldwide oceanographic surveys and her love for travel have brought her to visit 56 countries where she has shared science and spirituality. Since birth, Ingrid lived and worked in intense combat zones of Colombia and was diagnosed with combat-related PTSD. Dr. Honkala has a great passion for understanding human consciousness and is helping to close the “gap of care” for people, especially children and combat soldiers, who have had NDEs and STEs. Ingrid details her amazing journey in her autobiography, “A Brightly Guided Life."
Sister Jayanti is Additional Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris, an international NGO, and a spiritual leader and teacher. For over 50 years, she has dedicated her life to self-transformation and service to humanity.
Sister Jayanti has championed the co-operative role of spiritual organisations in creating a just and peaceful world. She has brought spiritual principles to the discussion tables of politicians, economists, business leaders, scientists and nearly every stakeholder of our times. Sister Jayanti sees the erosion of spiritual values as the underlying cause of the crises that the world is facing today.
Philippa Blackham is an award-winning radio documentary maker and presenter. Having worked for BBC Radio for many years, she is now working for a national project ‘100 Women of Spirit’ which explores and celebrates the role of women and spirituality. Philippa has practised Raja Yoga mediation with the Brahma Kumaris since 1982.
From Fed Up to Full Up | Dorte Haun Nielsen
There are many reasons for feeling fed up; it can be a general, temporary malaise but is sometimes a more permanent experience of frustration, emptiness, and a lack of meaning. It’s as if our energy is being drained away by the mundane, the inane and the endless demands from our roles.
Our speaker this evening will explore how we can we live a more meaningful, purpose driven life that leaves us feeling fed and nourished internally.
Speaker: Dorte Haun Nielsen works as a social worker in Aarhus, Denmark and has been practising Raja Yoga meditation since 2005. She helps to coordinate the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Aarhus and is also involved in the planning and coordination of international retreats. Dorte approaches spirituality with warmth and lightness and brings a practical and authentic touch to the courses and lectures she conducts.
Intentions Matter | Erik Larson
“You don’t attract what you want. You attract what you are.” Wayne Dyer
Intentions are thought to be the energy that powers all our actions and even affect what we attract into our lives. When we honour our intentions as an expression of the integrity and strength of our character, success follows us like a shadow. So how do we become more aware of our deepest intentions and their impact, and what practical tools can we use to enhance positive outcomes?
Speaker: Erik Larson
Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 35 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.